WISH TO LEARN TO SEW BY HAND? WORTH THE EXPERIENCE, YOU SHOULD TRY

How to Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

By Bailey Bastings 

I sew most of my projects by hand because it’s much more rewarding for me. But of course, different strokes for different folks. So if you want to take the same path as me, I suggest you just relax, it’s might take a while but it’s so worth it! Something you do all by yourself with bare hands is amazing.

1. Securing a Knot

Learning to sew is not possible without learning how to tie a knot first. To do this, all you need to remember is to wrap the thread around your finger, roll it between your thumb and index finger, then pull to make a knot.

2. Running Stitch

The most basic of all stitching patterns, running stitch is basically stitching by forming a line of small, even stitches that run in and out through the cloth without overlapping. Just remember to start from underneath since you want the knot at the back.

3. Back-Stitch

Back-stitch is required when you need a stronger stitch. First, do a normal stitch, then start your second stitch from where the first one ended. Remember, all garments used to be done by hand, and back-stitching is the foundation for all of that. Some historical costumers choose to sew everything by hand, and many people still prefer to do much of their garment finishing by hand so it’s safe to say that you really should master this one.

4. Blanket Stitch

Blanket stitch is used when stitching two edges together. For the first stitch, insert the needle in the same place, pass the needle through the loop and pull. Insert the needle a small distance away from the first stitch. Pass the needle through the loop and pull.

5. Using a Tailor’s Thimble

Get used to using a tailor’s thimble. Use it on the middle finger of the hand that holds the needle. When you hand sew, it is typical to push the back of the needle with this finger. Worry not, newbies often have their finger tied down in the right position and that’s fine. Keep practicing until it becomes second nature.

6. Practice Various Types of Stitches

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Begin by Practicing your hand stitching with the types of stitches you are planning to use. Just do it row after row until you can make consistent and even stitches. I say about 1/8 inch between stitches is the norm. If not, you can do 1/4 inch when a stitch does not need to support tension.

Have patience and learn to love the process. Sure, it’s going to be hard at first so avoid overthinking until you finish your project. Revel in the act of seeing something instead of having something that’s been sewed. Learn different stitching patterns along the way, and you’ll have a variety of them in your arsenal. Then, you can properly decide which one to use for what. Good luck